Detroit Lions

As the season comes to a close it is fun to look back and assign letter grades to players who often contribute more than what is seen in the stat sheets. Today is one such day, one where we take a look at the NFC quarterbacks and figure out who excelled and who fell flat.

NFC North News

An offseason that has seen more linemen go than come has become a little more digestible. The Vikings announced Wednesday that they signed former Titans and Patriots guard Josh Kline to a three-year, $15.75 million deal. The contract will push the Vikings closer to their cap limit, leaving them realistically only enough to sign draft picks. But for the moment, it seems Kirk Cousins has a new starter in front of him.

A quick, highlight reel runner, Bruce Anderson is more than just a scat back. Yes, he is an explosive weapon with big play ability that makes defenders miss in the open field. But he can also be a downhill runner who finishes with purpose.

Last year's Vikings free agency was a time of action. Rick Spielman made multiple significant moves that inspired confidence and excitement in the 2018 Vikings. He threw money at Kirk Cousins to lock down the quarterback position. He strengthened the defensive line with Sheldon Richardson. For the first time in some time, Spielman did not sit on his hands when it came time to make deals. That is, with one area of exception.

Even as much of the league has begun to take shape, the NFC North has remained the toughest division to diagnose. It is the halfway point of the 2018 NFL season, more or less, and only one game separates the Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings. And given that three of those teams still have five division games left to play, this thing is about as wide open as it can get.